Gear & Guide in Copper Harbor

In April 2024, we purchased the old fudge shop in Copper Harbor to expand our Wise Old Man of Isle Royale services to include backpacking and camping gear in addition to our guide services. While we have been open since May ’24, simultaneously we have been updating the building, establishing relationships with suppliers, and stocking our shelves.

In the off season, we are open from noon to 7:00 PM daily, but closed on Wednesday. During peak season, we are open daily from noon to 9:00 PM. To visit, take US 41 north to Copper Harbor. At the flashing red stop light, cross over Gratiot onto 6th Street, and find us on the first block, the only business on the left.

As we move into the 2025 season, we are pleased to share what is in store and what work is ongoing. We have updated the building throughout with new windows, new lighting, a new heating and cooling system, and added insulation. In the coming year, we expect to complete a full re-sheathing and installation of new siding outside. Stay tuned for the big reveal in late 2025.

At this time, we feel very good about the merchandise we can offer to campers and backpackers locally and those heading to Isle Royale. To that end, MSR is our primary source for fuel, high end trekking poles, stoves, water filtration systems, and kitchen gear, including titanium pot sets and complete mess kits. We are fully stocked with these items.

Sea to Summit is our source for tents, sleeping mats and bags as well as bag liners, pack covers, head nets, soaps, dry bags and day packs. Find Ultra-Sil tent stakes, towels, straps, and more.

From Gear Aid, we have knives, Tenacious Tape, mesh patches, gear markers, Aquaseal, and various repair kits as well as towels, paracord, shock cord, and straps.

For a mid-range of camp kitchen and outdoor gear, we offer Fire Maple cooking systems, aluminum kettles, griddles, and frying pans as well as mid-priced tents, fire pits, collapsible cups and bowls, buckets, stove wind guards, folding saws, leather mitts, and fuel can adaptors and stands.

Our dehydrated and camping food features Peak Refuel, Good to Go, and Greenbelly meals and hydration in addition to IQ and Gu from whom we offer energy chews, bars, gel, and hydration. We have a small selection of meals in cups from Good to Go as well. We also stock instant and pour-over coffee blends along with grinders and filters.

From Mountain Hardware, we offer tops and bottoms, including shirts for men and women, pants, shorts, skorts, and stretch Ozonic rain jackets as well as leggings and joggers.

For safety needs, we stock maps and compasses, binoculars, first aid kits and individual first aid items. The map selection includes National Geographic and Myrmel Isle Royale maps. We also offer night sky and moon maps from NatGeo, and the complete North Country Trail and the Minnesota Arrowhead maps from Myrmel. In addition, we have head lamps, survival kits, battery banks, solar panels, and phone charging cords and blocks.

We offer general merchandise, such as water shoes, sandals/slides, bathing suits and towels, beach toys, personal flotation devices, puffy coats for men and women, warm hats, bush and bucket hats, caps, gloves, scarves, and rain gear. We have also sought out gear appropriate for non-backpackers, including varieties of tents and sleep and cooking systems, hydration packs, and insulated cups and mugs.

For your convenience, we offer Coke products, including soda, Smart Water, Vitamin Water, Monster, Peak Teas and Body Armor, and single-serve ice cream in a variety of flavors.

Our fishing gear includes open- and closed-face reel and rod combos and collapsible pack fishing rods and reels. We stock landing nets, jaw spreaders, spoons, spinners, lures, and worms. We also carry line and an array of hooks, sinkers, bobbers, and leaders.

Rental gear includes full gear from single- and double-person excursions with backpacks and full sleep, water filtration, and cook systems. We also rent single items, such as Coleman stoves, multiple-person tents (up to 8), and screen rooms.

In synch with our location, we also offer wicked-tasty fudge, Sayklly’s candy, and other chocolate and sweet treats; Copper Harbor and Isle Royale mementos, tee shirts, and a focused selection of handcrafted items.

Whether you are a backpacker or day hiker heading off to Isle Royale, a camper at Fanny Hooe, Trails End, or Fort Wilkins, or a bicyclist staying at a local hotel, we hope you stop by and find something that works for you.

Our Guide Services schedule for 2025 is posted, so check out what’s available or reach out to arrange a custom excursion. You can reach us at 906-201-1588 and wiseoldmanofisleroyale@gmail.com. Let’s do something wonderful together!